I've implemented pak files. Now huge array of textures may be packed in a single file. Distribution of addons becomes more easy too: just copy a big file in a SE folder. Now it's time to change folder structure in SE again.

Even better: it lets you use JSGME which is game changer to me: I can activate and deactivate MODS with a single (well, few couples of) click ! I was thinking of a system a la ModuleManager for KSP: You write up partial config files that tells what to add to what config files, without actually directly writing on them. That allows for seamless (de)activation of MODS too, as only the partial cfgs are removed and not the entire cfgs are replaced.

Could be a good 3rd party addon that (with agreement with mod makers) will help users make less edits to config files -> less ways to mess things with the game.

Are PAK files compressed, so they're smaller than the textures inside of them together?

Paks are just zip archives. They may be compressed or not, but compressing textures have no sense: you will win 0.1% of size, because png or jpg formats are already highly compressed. But some binary files such as .atm and .ss are compressed good. Best compression shows text files (catalogs), but they have small size already.

QuoteRockoRocks ()

And will there be an application for users to make pak files for SpaceEngine?

Is it possible to possibly get an auto-updating system implimented? or at least some notification thingy in the application itself, like a check for updates button or something. If this has already been mentioned and put on the list then oops but I just think it will help alot of newbies.